Electronics Suppliers Key Terms

Understand terminology geared towards electronics suppliers

By Kristan Hart

Homes and businesses are filled with electronics: from televisions and radios to computers and even the wiring required for light switches. All electronic devices, even though the format may be different, work under the same electronics umbrella. Electronics suppliers work with a variety of products requiring specialty wiring, cables and connection. The terminology associated with these products can require some education, but it's essential to best meet the needs of your customers. Consider these electronics suppliers key terms that you may find as you work in the industry.

Terminal blocks

Terminal blocks attach to your wiring to expand your space and your design options. They're available as screw cage clamps, box clamps or tubular screw clamps.
Try: You can find information about terminal blocks through the On-Line Electronics website.

Fuses

The appropriate size and location of fuses actually helps protect your wiring. Fuses are a special type of wire located in a self-contained container. In some instances, the fuse is at the end of the wire, but in many electronics, the fuse is located next to the device to protect against a surge.
Try: HowStuffWorks explains how a fuse works and its purpose in electronics.

Relay

The relay serves as an electromagnetic switch that's activated when the current applies to it. Depending on the voltage of the electronic device, there are different types of relays.
Try: Technologystudent.com explains relays and their role in electronic devices. This website also offers diagrams to help explain their purpose.

Circuit breakers

When an electrical circuit overloads, or when there is an unintentional short circuit, circuit breakers automatically break the electrical current to keep it from damaging electronic devices. A circuit breaker turned to the "On" position allows the current to flow, but a surge can force the circuit breaker to turn to the "Off" position.
Try: Tech-FAQ defines and explains circuit breakers and offers details about the different types of circuit breakers used with electronic devices.

Inductors, capacitors

Opposites from each other, inductors and capacitors are used in a number of electronics applications, particularly in radio frequency circuits. When using a capacitor, energy is determined by the voltage and by the capacitance. And inductor is the same as a capacitor, except the equation substitutes inductance for capacitance.
Try: Read about inductors and capacitors at the wiseGEEK website.

Switch

Simply defined, a switch activates or deactivates an electronic device. When a switch is in the "On" position, the device receives power. When it is in the "Off" position, it does not receive power. Almost every electronics device comes equipped with a switch.
Try: The Custom Solutions website explains the role of a switch and explains some of the thousands of switches available.